Porous particles containing dispersed organic liquid and gaseous components

ABSTRACT

Economical and effective cap sensitive explosive compositions are manufactured by combining appropriate proportions of a noncap sensitive organic liquid containing oxidizing groups with a porous substrate. The preferred liquid is nitromethane or nitromethane diluted with a hydrocarbon. The preferred substrate is a finely divided ionic nitrate powder. The explosive compositions are rendered cap sensitive and highly brisant by providing a substrate which disperses the organic liquid while maintaining this fluid in intimate contact with dispersed air. The preferred finely divided ionic nitrate substrates used in the present invention are prepared by grinding to the desired particle size, preferably less than 500 microns.

United States Patent Hurst 1 1 Feb. 27, 1973 POROUS PARTICLES CONTAININGDISPERSED ORGANIC LIQUID AND GASEOUS COMPONENTS Gerald L. Hurst, Dallas,Tex.

Assignee: Kinetics International Corporation,

Dallas,Tex.

Filed: Oct. 8, 1970 Appl. No.: 79,039

Inventor:

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1967 Minnick ..149/89 X3,409,485 11/1968 Minnick ..149 s9x 3,419,444 12/1968 Minnick ..149/s9xPrimary Examiner-Stephen J. Lechert, .lr. Attorney-Richards, Harris &Hubbard [57] ABSTRACT Economical and effective cap sensitive explosivecompositions are manufactured by combining appropriate proportions of anon-cap sensitive organic liquid containing oxidizing groups with aporous substrate. The preferred liquid is nitromethane or nitromethanediluted with a hydrocarbon. The preferred substrate is a finely dividedionic nitrate powder. The explosive compositions are rendered capsensitive and highly brisant by providing a substrate which dispersesthe organic liquid while maintaining this fluid in intimate contact withdispersed air. The preferred finely divided ionic nitrate substratesused in the present invention are prepared by grinding to the desiredparticle size, preferably less than 500 microns.

30 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures POROUS PARTICLES CONTAINING DISPERSEDORGANIC LIQUID AND GASEOUS COMPONENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Theexplosives industry has been for a long time striving for a generalpurpose explosive and an explosive with substantial brisance which isdetonable by a small cap, for example, a number 6 explosives cap. Thistype of explosive has been manufactured and sold, however, it generallyhas been uneconomical in the sense that the components of the explosiverequired to sufficiently sensitize the explosive composition to a number6 cap are expensive. Another drawback to such an explosive has been thatit is extremely sensitive and must be shipped in commerce under theexplosive regulations. This again decreases the economic feasibility ofuse of such an explosive to all but a few consumers. Hence, most generalpurpose explosives and explosives with substantial brisance are not thetype which are detonable by a number 6 cap but require a priming charge.Again, the priming charge causes additional expense in manufacturing andusing the explosive.

One way in which explosive manufacturers have thus far tried tocircumvent the foregoing problems is to ship an oxidizing compositionsuch as ammonium nitrate separately from a fuel. The two are thenintermixed at the site of use to create explosive mixture. All of thesecompositions, however, have had the drawback that they are not number 6cap sensitive, but require a primer explosive. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 2,892,377 discloses a sealed container of ammonium nitrate. At thesite of use a liquid fuel is injected into the container. The thusformed explosive can be exploded with the aid of a detonator charge.However, the composition disclosed therein is not capable of detonationwith a number 6 cap.

Other attempts to make an explosive which is detonable by a number 6 caphave included the utilization of a sensitizing fuel such as anitroalkane. Some of these attempts have been successful in that anexplosive mixture detonable by a number 8 cap can be manufactured. Thesecompositions also have drawbacks. For example, in order to cause theenergy released by such a composition to be anywhere near maximum (thatis to be oxygen balanced) a substantial amount of nitroalkane isnecessary. The best sensitizing nitroalkane, of course, is nitromethane.In order to obtain a powerful explosive composed of nitromethane, forexample, and ammonium nitrate, for example, the mixture must containsubstantial nonabsorbed liquid. If in the use of such a composition acap, for example a number 6 cap, is inserted into the mixture below theliquid level line, the composition will not detonate upon explosion ofthe number 6 cap. However, if the cap for such an explosive ispositioned above the liquid level, detonation will occur. Theundesirable affect of this phenomenon is that in the normal use ofexplosives such care in positioning the number 6 cap cannot and is notalways taken, thus occasionally resulting in nondetonation uponexplosion of the number 6 cap. Such an occurrence, of course, isundesirable from a safety standpoint, and from the standpoint of themanufacturer who is desirable of producing an explosive which willdetonate under any condition with a number 6 cap.

Thus, it is desirable to possess an explosive which is sensitive to anumber 6 blasting cap. Secondly it is desirable to possess an explosivecomposition which can be shipped in commerce as a nonexplosive. It isfurther desirable to have an explosive which is a two componentexplosive, preferably one being a liquid component and the other being asolid component. It is further desirable to possess a two componentexplosive composition which is mixed by the ultimate consumer or by alocal distributor which can be easily mixed and combined. It is alsodesirable to possess a two component explosive, one component beingliquid, the other component being solid which has a low cost whileremaining number 6 cap sensitive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing desirable attributes of anexplosive are fulfilled by the present invention. The present inventionbroadly provides an economical, low cost, number 6 cap sensitive,explosive composition which can be shipped in commerce in twocomponents, one liquid and one solid, and which can be easily mixed atthe use situs. Certain preferable forms of the two component explosiveare self mixing, thus requiring no shaking or physical intermixing ofthe two components.

The present invention, therefore, provides a method of activatingorganic liquids which contain sufficient amounts of oxidizing groupspotentially to provide high energy release, but which are normallyinsensitive to small blasting caps. The invention provides explosivenumber 6 cap sensitive mixtures comprising a liquid component selectedfrom nitroaliphatic hydrocarbons, nitroaromatic hydrocarbons, aliphaticnitrates and N- nitrohydrocarbons and mixtures thereof, said compoundsor mixtures being detonable in large quantities with large boosters butinsensitive to small blasting caps, a solid, insoluble, porous,absorbant component selected from alkali and alkaline earth metalnitrates, ammonium nitrate, alkali and alkaline earth metalperchlorates, ammonium perchlorate, diatomaceous earth and expanded lowdensity silica, the said solid component having an average particle sizeof preferably less than about 500 microns and a substantially uniformlydispersed gaseous component. The gaseous component can be provided inthe form of air by limiting the amount of liquid used to a volume lessthan the interstitial volume of the solid component. The solid componentcan be either free flowing or sintered. A minor proportion of ahydrocarbon fuel can be admixed with the liquid component if desired.Mixing of the solid, liquid and gaseous components can be accomplishedwithout external mechanical agitation through capillary action in thefinely divided solid, producing a homogeneous mixture of solid, liquidand gaseous components. The mixture will not separate or stratify anddoes not require gelling agents to maintain homogeneity.

Furthermore, a container for the solid component of the two componentmixture comprises an enclosure for holding a predetermined amount of thesolid component of the explosive mixture, and means in said enclosurefor admitting a liquid component thereto. A

method for detonating the two component explosive mixture of the presentinvention comprises adding to the porous solid a non-cap sensitive,potentially detonable liquid, contacting the mixture with an explosivecap having a rating at least equal to a commercial number 6 cap, andexploding the cap, thereby detonating the mixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of theinvention can be derived by reading the ensuing specification inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate one form of a container for the explosiveof the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a container for a solid component of theexplosive ofthe present invention, and;

FIG. 5 illustrates a container for a liquid component of the'explosiveof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention has twoaspectssThe first is the provision of a two component cap sensitiveexplosive which is composedof a liquid component and a solid componentcontaining a dispersed gas. Each of these components is a non-capsensitive composition which can be shipped in commerce without thenormal restrictions and expense applied to compositions rated asexplosives. The second portion of this invention relates to containersfor the components of the explosive, which containers provide an easymeans of combining and intermixing the two non-explosive components toform an explosive composition. Although the aspects of the presentinvention will be described in terms of preferred embodiments, ,it is tobe understood that many equivalents, substitutions, alterations, andother variations can be made upon the invention as defined in theappended claims without departing from the intention thereof.

Accordingly, the explosive composition of the present invention includesa liquid component which can be stored and transported conveniently in abottle, can or other suitable container to its site of use. The liquidcomponent of the explosive of the present invention is a non-capsensitive hydrocarbon material, capable of being freely shipped innormal commerce, which is activated at a use situs by the porous solidcomponent of the explosive of the present invention.

The iiquid component of the present invention is characterized by anon-cap sensitive liquid hydrocarbon material containing bonded nitrogenin a positive valence state. Typical compounds of this class ofmaterials are the nitro and nitrated hydrocarbons. Exemplary materialswhich can be utilized within the scope of the present invention includenitroaliphatic hydrocarbons, nitroaromatic hydrocarbons, aliphaticnitrates, N-nitrohydrocarbons and mixtures thereof. Preferable liquidcomponents include the nitroalkane compounds containing 3 or less carbonatoms and mixtures of the lower dinitroaromatic compounds. Mostpreferably nitromethane and the dinitrotoluene oils are utilized. Theliquid component can be present in amounts from about 6 percent to about60 percent by weight of the explosive composition. It is most preferredthat the liquid component comprise from about 12 percent to about 35percent by weight of the total explosive composition.

The explosive composition includes a second porous, solid componentwhich can be stored'and transported conveniently in flexible or rigidplastic, fiber or other suitable containers to its site of use. Thesolid com-' ponent of the explosive of the present invention preferablycomprises a non-cap sensitive inert or oxidizing material, capable ofbeing freely shipped in normal commerce. The primary function of thesolid component is to provide a porous base or substrate which willuniformly disperse the liquid component by capillary action, therebyautomatically providing an intimate mixture of finely divided liquidcomponent and air. A second function of providing additional energythrough the reaction of an oxidizing group with excess fuel portion'inthe liquid component can be provided by an oxidizing solid component. Ifan oxidizing substrate contains potential gas forming elements inaddition to the elements of the oxidizing group a third function of thesolid component is to provide expandible gas capable of doing usefulwork. Solid components usable within the scope of the present inventionare alkali and alkaline earth metal nitrates, ammonium nitrate, alkaliand alkaline earth metal perchlorates and ammonium perchlorate.Preferred solid components include potassium, sodium and ammoniumperchlorates, diatomaceous earth and'expanded silica, while ammoniumnitrate, sodium nitrate, and potassium nitrate are most preferred.

In the form in which the solid component compositions are usuallyobtained as articles of commerce, they are not desirable for use in theexplosive composition of the present invention. In order to provide asuitable substrate, it is first advisable to comminute the solidmaterial to a particle size less 'than about 1,000 microns, preferablyless than about 500 microns, and most preferably in the range of fromabout 5 to about 250 microns.

Furthermore, it is desirable to treat the solid component to cause thebulk density of the solid to reach a maximum value under normal handlingconditions. It is preferred that the interstitial volume be at leastabout 10 percent by volume greater than the amount of liquid componentto be combined therewith. Most preferably the remaining interstitialvolume should be at least about 10 percent greater than the volume ofthe amount of liquid component corresponding to an oxygen balanced finalexplosive mixture. Two methods can be used to produce a substrate of thedesired lower bulk density. In the first method, the finely dividedsolid, in a loose, fluffy condition is treated with water, from about0.2 percent to about Spercent by weight, preferably about 1 percent.Alternatively, moist air of corresponding water content can be used. Themoist solid is then dried at ambient or higher temperatures to producelightly sintered agglomerates which resist settling and compacting. Bythe second method the ground solid can be screened through variousscreens to produce individual fractions of uniform particle size andlower bulk density. Carefully controlled grinding procedures caneliminate the necessity for these secondary treatments in many cases;however, such treatments are useful and generally desirable in producingtwo component explosive compositions in which long diffusion paths forthe liquid are needed and/or in which very rapid mixing is required.

Minor proportions of a fuel component can also be added to the liquidcomponent under certain conditions. Thus, if the porous solid componentis an oxidizing material and it is desired to obtain a final explosivemixture which is essentially oxygen balanced, it can occur that theamount of liquid component required exceeds the interstitial volume ofthe solid component, resulting in a mixture that is not cap sensitive.Under such circumstances, a minor proportion of a fuel component havinga higher fuel value per unit volume than the nitrogen containing liquidis admixed therewith. This will produce a final liquid component whichcan be added to the solid component in lesser volumetric quantity,yielding a final explosive mixture which is oxygen balanced and whichcontains the necessary interstitially dispersed air. In the case of thearomatic dinitro compositions, a small quantity of a fuel component canbe added to the liquid component to reduce the setting point or freezingpoint to a more convenient range. Fuels which can be used to increasethe volumetric fuel value of the liquid component must meet three basicrequirements: First, they must be chemically compatible with the liquidcomponent; second, they must be miscible with the liquid component inthe desired ratio and; third, they must have a substantially highervolumetric fuel value than the liquid component. Numerous inexpensivecommercially available compounds and mixtures meet the aboverequirements. Examples of such compounds and mixtures are: aromatichydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene, aromatic naphtha), loweraliphatic alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol), lower ethers, lowerketones, lower aldehydes, lower organic acids, lower esters, and smallquantities of gasoline fraction aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Although the exact theory cannot be proferred, it is believed that thesensitization of potentially detonable, but non-cap sensitive liquidswith porous solids proceeds according to the following mechanism. Theliquid component is absorbed and dispersed in the solid matrix bycapillary action to produce an intimate mixture in which the solidparticles are essentially surrounded by liquid films which are in turnbounded by minute layers of gas, normally air. When an explosive cap isdetonated in the mixture, it produces intense pressures which compressesthe minute gas bubbles adiabatically producing extremely hightemperatures at the liquid interface and causing the liquid to explodeby heat. The locally exploding liquid in turn compresses more gasbubbles thus propagating the explosition through the mixture. If thesolid particles contain oxidizing groups, these in turn react with thehot fuel-rich mixture from the liquid thus adding energy to theexplosion as well as gaseous products in most cases. Although it isbelieved that this is the mechanism by which the two component explosivecompositions function, it is not intended that the disclosure orinvention be limited by this theory.

The gaseous component of the present invention can be present in amountsranging from about 2 percent to about 90 percent by volume of the totalexplosive composition. It is preferred, however that the gaseouscomponent is present in the range of from about 5% to 50% by volume.

EXAMPLES The following examples are presented to further enable one ofordinary skill in the art to reproduce the present invention. Inaddition, they set out preferred modes of carrying out the foregoing.They are not intended in any manner to be delimitative of the invention,but are intended only as exemplary. All percentages used herein are byweight.

EXAMPLE I Sodium nitrate crystals are ground by hand with a mortar andpestle to produce a fine powder having an average particle size of lessthan about microns. A sample of the powder (20 g) is lightly tamped intoan aluminum tube (2.5 inches long X Vs inch l..D. X 1 inch O.D.) afiixedat one end to the center of a square piece of cold rolled steel (3 X 3 X5i; inches). Nitromethane (10 g) is added to the contents of the tubewithout agitation. The metal test fixture is mounted symmetrically on aperpendicular 3 inch length of 2 inch pipe resting on a large steelplate about one-fourth inch thick. A number 6 cap is placed in the topcenter of the aluminum tube in intimate contact with the contents anddetonated. The charge explodes producing a dent in the steel plate whichis 0.079 inch deep at the center.

EXAMPLE II The procedure of Example I is repeated substituting 7 gramsof diatomaceous earth for the sodium nitrate. Upon detonation, a loudreport occurs and the steel plate is dented 0.029 inch.

EXAMPLE III The procedure of Example I is repeated substituting 20 gramsof potassium nitrate for the sodium nitrate. Upon detonation, a loudreport is heard and the steel plate is dented 0.082 inch.

A EXAMPLE IV The procedure of Example I is repeated except that theaverage particle size of the ammonium nitrate is greater than 100microns and less than 250 microns. Substantially the same results areobtained.

EXAMPLE V The procedure of Example I is repeated substituting 20 gramsof ammonium nitrate for the sodium nitrate. Upon detonation, a loudreport is heard and the plate is dented 0.080 inch.

EXAMPLE VI A mixture of diatomaceous earth (28 g) and dinitrotoluene oil(20 g, setting point 35 C.) is prepared by warming the components to 75C. The mixture is wrapped in aluminum foil and placed on a 5% inch steelplate on the ground. On initiating the mixture with a number 6 cap, aloud report is heard and the steel plate is significantly bent.

EXAMPLE VII A mixture of dinitrotoluene oil g, setting point 26 C.) andhigh boiling petroleum naphtha (10 g) is prepared yielding a liquidcomposition at room temperature. This mixture is added to 1,000 g offinely divided ammonium nitrate (average particle size less than 100microns). The final mixture is placed in a plastic bag on a limestoneboulder approximately one cubic yard in size. The mixture is detonatedwith a number 6 cap producing a loud report and shattering the boulder.

EXAMPLE VIII A mixture of 40 grams of xylol and 185 grams ofnitromethane is prepared and added to 1,000 grams of finely dividedammonium nitrate (average particle size less than 100 microns). Thefinal mixture in a plastic bag is placed on a limestone boulder abouttwo cubic yards in size and detonated with a number 6 cap. A loud reportis heard and the boulder is shattered.

EXAMPLE IX A large batch of ammonium nitrate powder is prepared with ahigh capacity production plant hammer mill. A sample of the material(150 g) having an average particle size less than about 100 microns isfirmly tamped into a foil laminate pouch and sufficient nitromethane (75g) is added to the pouch to produce an oxygen balanced mixture. Thefinal mixture appears very wet with free liquid visible. The foil pouchis placed on a steel plate (3 X 3 X inches) and detonated with a number6 cap. A weak report is heard. The steel plate is undamaged.

EXAMPLE X The procedure of Example IX is repeated substituting a mixtureof 52.2 grams nitromethane and 3.0 grams of xylol for the straightnitromethane to produce a second oxygen balanced mixture of lesserliquid volume with correspondingly greater gas volume. Upon detonationwith a number 6 cap a loud report is heard and the steel plate isseverely bent and dented.

EXAMPLE XI The procedure of Example IX is repeated substituting 150grams of the plant ground ammonium nitrate identical to that of Example1X but the material is mixed with 1 percent by weight water, allowed tostand for 10 minutes, and dried at room temperature for two hours ontrays before it is tamped into the pouch. This procedure decreases theultimate bulk density of the ammonium nitrate. Upon detonation a loudreport is heard and the steel plate is severely bent and dented.

EXAMPLE XII A mixture of 29 grams of nitromethane and 1.7 grams of xylolis sealed in a small pouch made of polyethylene-aluminum foil (0.00035inch)- polyethylene-polypropylene laminate having an overall thicknessless than 0.004 inch. The sealed pouch is placed in an oven at 75 C. forone week. Upon weighing to the nearest one one-hundredth gram, thesample is found to have lost no measurable weight.

EXAMPLE XIII Finely ground ammonium nitrate (166 g) is sealed in a pouchidentical to that described in Example XII. The pouch is immersed inseven inches of water for 1 week.

The pouch is opened and a mixture of 57.7 g of nitromethane and 3.32grams of xylol is added. The mixture is placed on a steel plate (3 X 3 X34: inches) and detonated with a number 6 cap. A loud report is heardand the steel plate is severely dented and bent.

EXAMPLE XIV A mixture of finely ground ammonium nitrate (83 g) having anaverage particle size less than microns and nitromethane (30 g) in afoil laminate cylinder having about 1.1 inch diameter and 6 inches longis immersed half way in an open container of unsensitized nitromethane(1,500 g). A number 6 cap is inserted in the top of the cylinder about 3inches above the surface of the nitromethane. Upon detonation, a veryloud report is heard and extensive ground damage occurs showing that thenitromethane has detonated.

EXAMPLE XV A mixture of finely ground ammonium nitrate (83 g) having anaverage particle size less than about 100 microns and nitromethane (35g) in an aluminum foil laminate pouch is immersed in 2,000 g of prilledammonium nitrate/ fuel oil (AN/F0) mixture in -a plastic bag. The bag isplaced on a boulder of about one cubic yard volume. A number 6 cap isplaced in the foil laminate pouch. Upon detonation, a very loud reportoccurs and the boulder is shattered showing that the AN/FO detonated.

In the second aspect of this invention there is provided a number ofcontainers especially adaptable to the two component explosive of thepresent invention. As previously mentioned, the liquid component and thesolid component are held in separate containers until they are to beused. The liquid component can be packaged in standard metal cans, glassbottles or plastic containers. Each of these containers, in addition tobeing expensive for small packages, has certain other disadvantages.Thus, metal cans tend to rust; glass bottles are extremely fragile andplastic containers allow volatile materials to evaporate over a periodof time. All of these problems can be solved by using a novel explosivecomponent packaging material consisting of plastic laminated to aluminumfoil preferably forming a sandwich structure with an inner layer ofpolyethylene bonded to thin aluminum foil or sheeting which is in turnbonded to a second layer of polyethylene. A final outer layer of paper,polypropylene, polyester film, etc. can be added to increase stiffnessand strength. Sheets of these materials can be heat bonded or sealed atthe polyethylene surfaces to form pouches, sticks and various otherconfigurations, which are tough, waterproof, lightproof, diffusion proofand inexpensive. These same properties make foil laminate packagingideally suited for the solid component with the added advantage that thecontainers are flexible, which is a highly desirable property for manyexplosive applications.

The explosive composition of this invention is prepared by adding theliquid component to the solid component in its package. Thus, aftermixing, the solid container becomes in practice a cap sensitiveexplosive container with excellent properties. The impermeability of thefoil laminate prevents evaporation of liquid components while acting asa very efficient moisture barrier. Foil laminate containers would,therefore, also be equally suitable for packaging conventionalexplosives. In practice, the foil laminate packaged explosive componentsare used as follows. First, one end of a package containing an amount ofsolid component insufficient to fill the container is torn or cut off.Second, one end of a second, preferably oblong package containing anamount of liquid component insufficient to fill the container is torn orcut 011'. Third, the liquid component is poured into the solid componentpackage. When all the liquid has been absorbed, the torn end of thesolid component package is rolled or folded tightly to reseal thepackage. A number 6 or larger detonating cap is placed firmly againstthe solid component package or inserted through a hole in the packageand detonated.

Numerous explosive devices are adaptable for use with the two componentexplosive composition. These devices include but are not limited to:lined and unlined shaped charges, boulder breaking charges, boosters,secondary blasting charges, seismic charges, fuses, bombs, grenades,mines and borehole charges. A novel use of the two component explosiveis in devices containing dual explosive charges the secondary charge ofwhich is a detonable non-cap sensitive explosive such as nitromethane oran ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixture (AN/F). The primary or boostercharge is the two component explosive. In the case of nitromethane, theliquid of the secondary charge can be used as a liquid component of thetwo component explosive.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show a perspective, partially broken away top view,and cross-sectional elevation view of a dual explosive demolition deviceutilizing AN/FO as the main charge and the two component explosive ofthe present invention as a booster charge. Referring to these threefigures jointly, the dual explosive device includes a secondary chargecontainer generally designated containing a recessed portion 12 forholding the primary or booster charge 14. The secondary charge 16 isconfined in the remainder of the secondary charge container 10. Thesecondary charge container can also have formed therein a recessedportion 18 to shape the secondary charge. The container 10 and recessedportion 12 can be composed of any suitable material such as polystyrene.Preferably the secondary charge container 10 is hermetically sealed toprevent moisture from entering the container, thus detrimentallyaffecting the secondary charge material 16 inside the container 10.

In this embodiment of the invention, the recessed portion 12 containingthe primary booster charge 14 has openings 20 therein to the exteriorthereof. Placed over these holes 20 is a sealing member 22 which can beformed of conventional sealing material having adhesive on one side 24and composed of an aluminum, paper or other moisture impervious materialon the other side 26. In operation, the sealing member 22 is peeled backfrom the openings and the liquid component of the two component boostercharge is admitted to the recess 12 and allowed to mix with the solidcomponent 14 therein. The booster charge is thus prepared in accordancewith the foregoing procedure. This procedure and packaging systemprovides an effective safe charge of extremely low cost. Furthermore,since the containers and charges therein are not rated as primaryexplosives, the instant container can be shipped very economicallythrough interstate commerce.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show another embodiment of a dual explosive, lined, shapedcharged device capable of puncturing several inches into cold rolledsteel. The container for the secondary charge 30 is cylindrically shapedwith a charge shaping conical section 32 in the bottom thereof. Thecylindrical secondary charge container 30 has a recess 34 in the topthereof for receiving a primary charge or booster container 36. Thebooster container 36 is removably inserted in the recess 34. Thesecondary charge container 30 contains a cap insensitive material 38such as nitromethane. The booster charge 40 in the booster container 36contains the solid component of the present invention. The boostercontainer also contains a bore or recess 42 for receiving a number 6 orlarger explosives cap. Also provided in the booster container is anopening 44 which has a removable lid thereon, here shown as threaded cap46.

In operation, the liquid component of the explosive composition of thepresent invention is poured into the container 36 through the opening44. Thereafter a cap is inserted in the bore 42 and exploded to detonatethe booster charge which in turn detonates the secondary charge 38 inthe secondary container 30. The liquid component of this embodiment ofthe present invention can be contained in a foil laminate pouch 48 suchas described above. In this particular embodiment as shown in FIG. 5,the liquid component of the present invention is contained in a foillaminate pouch 48 shown in FIG. 5. The foil laminate pouch is formedfrom a single sheet of material and is heat sealed across its topportion 50 after the liquid component is placed therein. In thisembodiment, the foil laminate pouch can be formed, for example, from afirst interior layer of polyethylene laminated to a metal foil layer,for example aluminum foil. Laminated to the exterior of the aluminumfoil is a second layer of polyethylene on top of which an exterior mostlayer of paper, polypropylene, polyester film or the like can belaminated.

As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon readingthe present disclosure, many variations, alterations, substitutions andequivalents are applicable to the various disclosed embodiments of thepresent invention. It is the intent, however, that the conceptsdisclosed herein be limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

I. An explosive, number 6 blasting cap sensitive, compositioncomprising:

a solid, porous, absorbent component of particles having a size of lessthan about 1,000 microns and being selected from alkali and alkalineearth metal nitrates, ammonium nitrate, alkali and alkaline earth metalperchlorates, ammonium perchlorate, diatomaceous earth and expanded lowdensity silica; liquid component admixed with said solid component in avolumetric amount less than the interstitial volume of said solidcomponent and dispersed by capillary action within said solid component,said solid component being insoluble in said liquid component, and saidliquid component being composed of a non-cap sensitive liquidhydrocarbon containing bonded nitrogen in a positive valence state, andwherein said capillary action results in from about 2 percent to about90 percent by volume of said composition of a substantially uniformlydispersed gaseous component.

2. The explosive composition of claim 1 wherein the liquid component isselected from nitroaliphatic hydrocarbons, nitroaromatic hydrocarbons,aliphatic nitrates, N-nitrohydrocarbons and mixtures thereof.

3. The composition of claim 2 wherein said solid component has anaverage particle size of less than about 500 microns.

4. The composition of claim 3 wherein said solid component has anaverage particle size of from about 5 to about 250 microns.

5. The composition of claim 2 wherein said liquid component additionallycomprises:

a minor proportion of a hydrocarbon fuel admixed with said liquidcomponent.

6. The composition of claim 2 wherein said gaseous component comprisesat least about 5 percent by volume of said explosive composition.

7. The composition of claim 2 wherein said liquid component comprisesfrom about 6 percent to about 60 percent by weight of the explosivecomposition.

8. The explosive of claim 7 wherein said liquid component comprises fromabout 12 percent to about 35 percent by weight of said explosivecomposition.

9. The explosive composition of claim 2 wherein said liquid component isa nitroalkane.

10. The composition of claim 9 wherein said nitroalkane is nitromethane.

11. The composition of claim 2 wherein said liquid component is adinitrotoluene oil.

12. The composition of claim 5 wherein said liquid component is anitroalkane admixed with a minor proportion of a soluble hydrocarbonfuel.

13. The composition of claim 12 wherein said nitroalkane isnitromethane.

14. The composition of claim 13 wherein said hydrocarbon fuel is anaromatic hydrocarbon.

15. The composition of claim 5 wherein said liquid component is amixture of dinitrotoluene containing a minor proportion of a hydrocarbonfuel.

16. The mixture of claim 2 wherein said solid component is ammoniumnitrate.

17. The composition of claim 2 wherein component is sodium nitrate.

18. The composition of claim 2 wherein component is potassium nitrate.

19. The composition of claim 2 wherein component is sodium perchlorate.

20. The composition of claim 2 wherein component is potassiumperchlorate.

21. The composition of claim 2 wherein component is ammoniumperchlorate.

22. The composition of claim 2 wherein component is diatomaceous earth.

23. The composition of claim 2 wherein component is expanded silica.

24. The composition of claim 2 wherein said gaseous component is airpresent in an amount between about 5 percent and about 50 percent byvolume of the total com osition.

. The composition of claim 1 wherein the bulk density of the solidcomponent is less than about 1.4 g/cc.

26. The composition of claim 25 wherein the bulk density of the solidcomponent is less than about 1.0 g/cc.

27. The explosive composition of claim 2 further comprising a boostercharge located in proximity to a secondary non-cap sensitive explosive.

28. The explosive mixture of claim 27 wherein said secondary explosivecomprises a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil.

29. The explosive composition of claim 27 wherein said secondary chargecomprises nitromethane.

30. The composition of claim 27 wherein said explosive composition is inthe form of a shaped charge.

said solid said solid said solid said solid said solid said solid saidsolid

2. The explosive composition of claim 1 wherein the liquid component isselected from nitroaliphatic hydrocarbons, nitroaromatic hydrocarbons,aliphatic nitrates, N-nitrohydrocarbons and mixtures thereof.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 2 wherein said solid component has an averageparticle size of less than about 500 microns.
 4. The composition ofclaim 3 wherein said solid component has an average particle size offrom about 5 to about 250 microns.
 5. The composition of claim 2 whereinsaid liquid component additionally comprises: a minor proportion of ahydrocarbon fuel admixed with said liquid component.
 6. The compositionof claim 2 wherein said gaseous component comprises at least about 5percent by volume of said explosive composition.
 7. The composition ofclaim 2 wherein said liquid component comprises from about 6 percent toabout 60 percent by weight of the explosive composition.
 8. Theexplosive of claim 7 wherein said liquid component comprises from about12 percent to about 35 percent by weight of said explosive composition.9. The explosive composition of claim 2 wherein said liquid component isa nitroalkane.
 10. The composition of claim 9 wherein said nitroalkaneis nitromethane.
 11. The composition of claim 2 wherein said liquidcomponent is a dinitrotoluene oil.
 12. The composition of claim 5wherein said liquid component is a nitroalkane admixed with a minorproportion of a soluble hydrocarbon fuel.
 13. The composition of claim12 wherein said nitroalkane is nitromethane.
 14. The composition ofclaim 13 wherein said hydrocarbon fuel is an aromatic hydrocarbon. 15.The composition of claim 5 wherein said liquid component is a mixture ofdinitrotoluene containing a minor proportion of a hydrocarbon fuel. 16.The mixture of claim 2 wherein said solid component is ammonium nitrate.17. The composition of claim 2 wherein said solid component is sodiumnitrate.
 18. The compositIon of claim 2 wherein said solid component ispotassium nitrate.
 19. The composition of claim 2 wherein said solidcomponent is sodium perchlorate.
 20. The composition of claim 2 whereinsaid solid component is potassium perchlorate.
 21. The composition ofclaim 2 wherein said solid component is ammonium perchlorate.
 22. Thecomposition of claim 2 wherein said solid component is diatomaceousearth.
 23. The composition of claim 2 wherein said solid component isexpanded silica.
 24. The composition of claim 2 wherein said gaseouscomponent is air present in an amount between about 5 percent and about50 percent by volume of the total composition.
 25. The composition ofclaim 1 wherein the bulk density of the solid component is less thanabout 1.4 g/cc.
 26. The composition of claim 25 wherein the bulk densityof the solid component is less than about 1.0 g/cc.
 27. The explosivecomposition of claim 2 further comprising a booster charge located inproximity to a secondary non-cap sensitive explosive.
 28. The explosivemixture of claim 27 wherein said secondary explosive comprises a mixtureof ammonium nitrate and fuel oil.
 29. The explosive composition of claim27 wherein said secondary charge comprises nitromethane.
 30. Thecomposition of claim 27 wherein said explosive composition is in theform of a shaped charge.